The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1887-12-15

paid upon q moderate purchase, as result
OF the tariff scheme, which, when he sold
his wool seemed so profitable, an increase
In price more than sufficient to sweep away
all the tariff profit he received upon the
wool he produced and sold.
When the number Of farmers engaged IN
wool raising is compared with the farmers
in the country, and the small proportion
they bear to our population is considered;
when 1t is made apparent that in the case of
q large part Of those who own sheep, the
benefit Of the present tariff on wool is
iliusory and, above all, when it must be
conceded that the increase Of the cost OF
living caused by such tariff becomes a bur-
den upon those with moderate means and
the poor, the employed and unemployed, the
sick and well, and the young and old, and
that it constitutes tax, which, with relent-
less grasp is fastened upon the clothing of
every man, woman and child in the land,
reasons are suggested why the removal or
reduction Of this duty should be included in
a revision Of our tariff laws.
In speaking Of the increased cost to the
consumer Of our home manufacturer, result
ing from duty laid upon imported articles
of the same description, the fact is overlooked
that competition among our domestic pro-
ducers sometimes has the effect Of keeping
the price Of their products below the highest
limit allowed by such duty. But it is notori
GUS that this competition is to often stran-
gled by combinations quite prevalent at this
time and frequently called trusts which have
for the object their regulation of the supply
and price Of commodities made and sold by
members of the combination. The people
can hardly hope for any consideration in the
operation of these selfish schemes.
If, however, in the absence of such combina-
tion, q healthy and free competition reduces
the price of any particular dutiabe article
of home production below the limit which
it might otherwise reach under our tariff
laws, and if, with such reduced price its
manufacture continues to thrive, it is en-
tirely evident that one thing has been dis
covered which should be carefully scruti-
nized in an effort to reduce taxation. The
necessity of combination to maintain the
price of any commodity to the tariff point
furnishes proof that some one is willing to
accept lower prices for such commodity and
that such prices are remuneratlve, and
lower prices produced by competition prove
the same thing. Thus where either of these
conditions exist, a case would seem to be
presented for an easy reduction of taxation.
The considerations which have been pro-
sented touching our tariff laws are intended
only to enforce an earnest recommendation
that the surplus revenues Of the government
be prevented by the deduction or our GUS
tom duties, and, ct the same time, TO en-
phasize suggestion that in accomplishing
this purpose we may discharge a double
duty to our people, by granting to them a
- 1,~A k.~ a. l..
quarters where it Is most needed, and from
sources where 1t can be most fairly and
justly accorded. Nor can the presentation
made of such considerations, with any de.
gree Of fairness, be regarded as evidence of
unfriendliness toward our manufacturing
interests, or of any lack Of appreciation OF
their value and Importance.
These interests constitute q leading and
most substantial element of our National
greatness, and furnish the proud proof OF
our oountry's progress But il In the emer-
gercy that presses upon us our manu-
faoturers are asked to surrender something
for the public good, and to avert disaster,
their patriotism as well as a grateful resig-
nation Of advantages already afforded,
should lead them to willing cooperation.
No demand is made that they shall forego
all the benefits Of governmental regard
but they cannot fail to be admonished OF
their duty, as well as their enlightened self
interest and safety, when they are reminded
of the fact that financial panic and collapse
to which tho present condition tends, afford
no greater shelter or protection to our man.
ufacturers than to our other important en-.
terprises 4 opportunity for safe, careful and
deliberate reform is now afforded, and one
of us should be unnhindful Of a time when
an abused and irritated people, needless OF
those who have resisted timely and .reasona-
BILE relief may insist upon a radical and
sweeping rectifcation of their wrong.
The difficulty attending q wise and fair
revision of our tariff laws is not under.
estimated. 1t will require ON the part OF
the congress great labor and care, and
especially abroad and National contempla
ton Of the subject, and a patriotic disre-
gard of such local and selfish claims as are
unreasonable and reckless of the welfare OF
the entire country. Under our present laws
more than four thousand articles are sub
ieot to duty. Many of these do not in any
way compete with our own manufacturers
and many are hardly worth attention al
subjects Of revenue A considerable reduc.
tion ean be made in the aggregate, by add.
ing them to the free list The taxation OF
luxuries presents no features of hardship
but the necessaries of life used and con
sumed by all the people, the duty upon
which adds to the cost Of living in every
home, should be greatly cheapened. TIL,
radical reduction of the duties imposed
upon raw material used in manufacturer
or its slee importation, is, OF course, an i'm
portant factor in an effort to reduce tn,
price OF these necessaries; would not only
relieve them from the increased cost CAUSED
by the tariff on such material, but the man
ufactured produnt being thus cheapened
that part of the tariff now laid, upon sucl
product as a compensation to our manufac
lures for the present price of raw materia
could be occasionally modified. Such re
duction, or free importation, would serv,
beside to largely reduce the revenue
1t is not apparent how such chang,
can have any injurious effect upoi
our manufacturers. On che contrary, i
would appear TO give them a better chanc,
in foreign markets with the manufacturer.
of other countries, who cheapen their ware
by free material. Thus our people Nigh
have the opportunity of extending theil
sales beyond the limit of home oonsunp
ton, saving them the depression of inter
ruption in business aud loss caused by ,
their employees more certain and stead,
labor, with its resulting quiet and content
ment The question thus imperatively pro
sented for solution should he approached il
spirit higher than partisanship and con
sidered in the light Of that regard for patri
otto duty which should characterize tn
action Of those intrusted with the veal of ,
confding people. But the obligation to de
olared party policy and principle is no
wanting to urge prompt and effeotiv,
action.
Both Of the great political parties now rel
resented In the government have by re-
peated and authoriSive declarations. con
dsmnsd the condition of our laws which Der
rit the collection from the people of unneces
sary revenue, and have, in the most solem,
| manner promised Its correction; and neithe
a. citizens or par tisians are our countrymer
| in q mood to condone the deliberate violation
of these pledges Our progress toward
wise concluaion will not be improved b,
dwelling upon the theories of protection an
free trade. This savors too much Of handy
ing epithets. 1t Is q condition which con
fronts us not q theory. A relief from thi
condition may involve slight reduction O
of the advantages which we award our hom
productions. But the entire withdrawal O
such advantages should not be contemplated
The question Of free trade IL absolutely ir